Study Seeks to Identify Early Warning Signs of Dementia Among African Americans

Ishan Williams, an assistant professor at the University of Virginia School of Nursing, is conducting research on identifying the early warning signs of dementia among African Americans. Dr. Williams seeks to find out if vascular problems among the African American population are leading to increased rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Williams will examine if less access to quality healthcare and physicians’ lack of knowledge about cognitive risks associated with vascular problems among the African American population are part of the problem.

“There is a whole population of Americans who are at great risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia who are falling through the cracks because we don’t fully understand the link with vascular problems,” Dr. Williams said. “If we can better understand what vascular risk factors are more strongly associated with mild cognitive impairment of early dementia, we can develop specific strategies to prevent – and protect – some of our most vulnerable populations.”

Dr. Williams is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds a Ph.D. in human development and family studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

California State University Sacramento Launches Black Honors College

Officially launching for the fall 2024 semester, the Black Honors College will support students from all backgrounds who study Black history, life, and culture by providing them with a specialized curriculum and mentoring opportunities.

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

In Memoriam: Norman B. Anderson, 1955-2024

Dr. Anderson was the assistant vice president for research and academic affairs at Florida State University at the time of his death. He had an extensive career in clinical psychology, which led him to become the first African American chief executive officer of the American Psychological Association.

Georgia State University Launches Program to Support Black Women in Tech

While Black women account for roughly 29 percent of the Georgia State University undergradaute student body, they represent only 10 percent of the university's computer science majors and 18 percent of the computer information systems majors.

Featured Jobs